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Creamy Tuscan chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach in a cast iron skillet

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Tender chicken breasts seared in a skillet and served with a rich garlic cream sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Ready in 30 minutes using one pan.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 453

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts about four 6-oz breasts, pounded to even thickness
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter unsalted recommended
  • 0.5 cup shallots chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced, fresh recommended
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes drained, patted dry, and chopped
  • 3 cups fresh spinach loosely packed, chopped
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet or cast iron skillet
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Zip-top bag

Method
 

  1. Place chicken breasts in a zip-top bag and pound to an even thickness with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Remove from the bag and pat completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reads 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Cover the pan if needed for thicker breasts. Transfer to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and shallots to the same skillet. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, until shallots are soft and translucent.
  4. Add the garlic and flour. Stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir often and cook 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
  7. Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over each breast and heat 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 60-second intervals. Great served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.